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2017 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2017 Mazda3

Drivers in the market for a new sedan have a variety of great options to choose from. The class is known for being fiercely competitive, so how do you narrow down your options? That’s what you have us for! It’s important to do as much research as you can to find the vehicle that best fits your needs, but we know it can be tough to find specific information comparing similar vehicles in the class.

Our team here at Dirito Brothers Walnut Creek Volkswagen wants to help you with every step of your car-shopping experience, so we’ve put together a detailed comparison of two of our favorite sedans currently on the market: the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta and the 2017 Mazda3. Both of these sedans offer generous interior space and attractive exteriors, but what features and specs set them apart from the rest of the class? More importantly, what features and specs set them apart from each other?

The 2017 Mazda3 comes in three trim levels: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. The Sport and Touring trims come standard with a 2.0-liter SKYACTIV®-G engine that produces 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Touring trim comes with a slightly more-powerful 2.5-liter SKYACTIV®-G engine that makes 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. All trims can be equipped with either a manual or automatic transmission, and all trims have standard exterior features like halogen headlights, daytime running lights and body-colored power side mirrors. Standard safety features for all trims include advanced dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, side-impact air curtains, the Anti-lock Brake System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Brake Assist, Hill Launch Assist, a rearview camera, Dynamic Stability Control and the Traction Control System.

The 2017 Volkswagen Jetta comes in four trim levels: S, SE, SEL and GLI. The S and SE trims come standard with a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that makes 150 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, while the SEL trim has a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine that makes 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Looking for even more power? No problem! You’ll want to check out the GLI trim, which comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that makes an impressive 210 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. Drivers can choose whether they want a manual or automatic transmission on the S, SE and GLI trims, and the SEL trim comes standard with an automatic transmission. All trims come standard with active safety features like the Anti-lock Braking System, Anti-Slip Regulation, the brake override system, Electronic Stability Control, Electronic Differential Lock, Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution, Engine Braking Assist and Hydraulic Brake Assist. Passive safety features include Side Curtain Protection® head airbags for both the front and rear, 3-point safety belts for all seating positions, crash-optimized pedal controls, safety-optimized front head restraints, crash-optimized front end and a reinforced safety cage construction.

While both the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta and the 2017 Mazda3 are viable options for those in the market for a new sedan, we think it’s clear the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta has the competitive edge. With more trim levels and engine options, a higher fuel economy rating, and a more spacious interior, the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta really checks all the boxes.